Barry Baker

Loves journalism, is not a journalist. Loves politics, is not a politician. Loves the media, is not a medium. Barry is committed to helping the world become a more interesting place with Power of Opinion.

July 11, 2007

Sechelt Band Chief in Hot Water After Bailing Out RCMP

Sechelt First Nation members unhappy with Chief Stan Dixon's handling of an RCMP pepper-spraying incident, barricaded band offices yesterday, and are refusing entry to employees of the 1,100-member band.

The group is upset that Mr. Dixon accepted an RCMP apology over the incident, apparently without than consulting with elders and victims. The protesters have placed signs expressing their displeasure around the office, and claim they will remain until the Chief resigns.

Mr. Dixon has led the Sechelt Nation for 3 terms, the first of which began in 1983. He was a prominent and active figure in the bands efforts to achieve self-government, which culminated in 1986 with the Sechelt Indian Band Self Government Act. He publishes the Kahtou newspaper, which bills itself as The Voice of BC's First Nations. Unfortunately for Mr. Dixon, the finesse he demonstrated with the RCMP around the pepper-spray incident hasn't satisfied many of his own constituents, for which he is now paying the price. Several band members have suggested that the situation required more "backbone" and "warrior blood".

It now appears that political opportunism may be escalating the rhetoric as councilor/land claims coordinator Robert Joe organized a petition calling for the Chief's resignation. Over 200 band members have signed the petition.

Mr. Joe and Mr. Dixon have squared off twice in previous band elections; Mr. Joe came out on the losing end both times. Nevertheless, one gets the sense that Mr. Joe would make a formidable poker foe, as he managed to keep a level demeanour while telling CBC Radio, "I'm just living on my own ethics and my own honesty and integrity. I'm not out there seeking any kinds of support as if this was an election". In a previous interview Mr. Joe likened the current Chief to both Fidel Castro and Saddam Hussein.

Mr. Joe seems to have some affinity for the spotlight; a couple of weeks back he was one of about 20 band members who blocked a road to protest watershed development. However, as he explained to The Coast Reporter at the time, "We’re being proactive today. If we do this too often, they’ll start calling us terrorists."

Actually Mr Joe, you're doing such a great job I think we'll leave the hyperbole to you.

To share your thoughts with Right Up Your Alley: Kamloops readers, click on "Comments" (below).

Comments

Sechelt Band Chief in Hot Water After Bailing Out RCMP

Sechelt First Nation members unhappy with Chief Stan Dixon's handling of an RCMP pepper-spraying incident, barricaded band offices yesterday, and are refusing entry to employees of the 1,100-member band.

The group is upset that Mr. Dixon accepted an RCMP apology over the incident, apparently without than consulting with elders and victims. The protesters have placed signs expressing their displeasure around the office, and claim they will remain until the Chief resigns.

Mr. Dixon has led the Sechelt Nation for 3 terms, the first of which began in 1983. He was a prominent and active figure in the bands efforts to achieve self-government, which culminated in 1986 with the Sechelt Indian Band Self Government Act. He publishes the Kahtou newspaper, which bills itself as The Voice of BC's First Nations. Unfortunately for Mr. Dixon, the finesse he demonstrated with the RCMP around the pepper-spray incident hasn't satisfied many of his own constituents, for which he is now paying the price. Several band members have suggested that the situation required more "backbone" and "warrior blood".

It now appears that political opportunism may be escalating the rhetoric as councilor/land claims coordinator Robert Joe organized a petition calling for the Chief's resignation. Over 200 band members have signed the petition.

Mr. Joe and Mr. Dixon have squared off twice in previous band elections; Mr. Joe came out on the losing end both times. Nevertheless, one gets the sense that Mr. Joe would make a formidable poker foe, as he managed to keep a level demeanour while telling CBC Radio, "I'm just living on my own ethics and my own honesty and integrity. I'm not out there seeking any kinds of support as if this was an election". In a previous interview Mr. Joe likened the current Chief to both Fidel Castro and Saddam Hussein.

Mr. Joe seems to have some affinity for the spotlight; a couple of weeks back he was one of about 20 band members who blocked a road to protest watershed development. However, as he explained to The Coast Reporter at the time, "We’re being proactive today. If we do this too often, they’ll start calling us terrorists."

Actually Mr Joe, you're doing such a great job I think we'll leave the hyperbole to you.

To share your thoughts with Right Up Your Alley: Kamloops readers, click on "Comments" (below).